History of Bunny Wailer in Timeline

"Bunny Wailer, born Neville O'Riley Livingston, was a Jamaican musical icon renowned for his contributions to reggae music. As a founding member of the legendary group The Wailers, alongside Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, he played a pivotal role in shaping the genre's global impact. His distinctive vocals and percussion skills earned him three Grammy Awards and solidified his place as a reggae legend."

April 1947: Early Life of Bunny Wailer

Bunny Wailer was born in Kingston in April 1947 and spent his early years in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, where he met Bob Marley.

1962: Writing "Pass It On"

Bunny Wailer wrote the song "Pass It On" in 1962.

1962: First Audition and Musical Influences

In 1962, Bunny Wailer intended to audition for Leslie Kong but missed the opportunity. His musical style was influenced by gospel music and Curtis Mayfield.

1963: Formation of The Wailing Wailers

Bunny Wailer formed "The Wailing Wailers" with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, along with short-term members Junior Braithwaite and Beverley Kelso, in 1963.

1966: Recording of "Dreamland"

Bunny Wailer recorded "Dreamland", a cover of El Tempos' "My Dream Island", in 1966 with Clement Coxsone Dodd. This song later became his signature song.

1966: Increased Vocal Contributions

When Bob Marley briefly left Jamaica in 1966, Bunny Wailer began recording and singing lead vocals on more of his own compositions.

June 1967: Arrest and Signing with JAD Records

In June 1967, Bunny Wailer was arrested for cannabis possession and served 14 months in prison. Around this time, The Wailers signed with Danny Sim's JAD Records.

1967: Recording "This Train"

Bunny Wailer recorded "This Train", a song based on a gospel standard, for the first time at Studio One in 1967.

1971: Release of "Dreamland" as a Single

"Dreamland" was released as a 7" single in 1971, with a U-Roy version on the B-side.

1971: Release of "Pass It On"

In 1971, The Wailers recorded and released Bunny Wailer's song "Pass It On", which he had written in 1962.

1972: Re-recording of "Dreamland"

Bunny Wailer re-recorded "Dreamland" in 1972 with Lee "Scratch" Perry.

1973: Departure from The Wailers and Solo Career

Bunny Wailer left The Wailers in 1973 to pursue a solo career, adopting the name "Bunny". He was uncomfortable with the band's growing commercial direction and wanted to focus on his spiritual faith.

1973: Solo Recordings and The Wailers' Final Albums

By 1973, Bunny Wailer was recording singles under his own label, while also contributing to The Wailers' last albums, including "Burnin'".

1976: Release of "Blackheart Man"

Bunny Wailer released his album "Blackheart Man" in 1976.

1991: Grammy Award for "Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley"

Bunny Wailer won his first Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1991 for the album "Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley".

1995: Grammy Award for "Crucial! Roots Classics"

Bunny Wailer won his second Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1995 for "Crucial! Roots Classics".

1997: Grammy Award for "Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley's 50th Anniversary"

In 1997, Bunny Wailer received his third Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for "Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley's 50th Anniversary".

2004: Grammy Award for Collaboration on "True Love"

Bunny Wailer was featured on Toots and the Maytals' album "True Love", which won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2004.

August 2012: Order of Jamaica Award

It was announced in August 2012 that Bunny Wailer would receive the Order of Jamaica, the country's fifth-highest honor.

2016: "Blackheart Man" 40th Anniversary Tour

Bunny Wailer embarked on a month-long tour in 2016 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his 1976 album "Blackheart Man".

October 2017: Order of Merit Award

Bunny Wailer was awarded the Order of Merit, Jamaica's fourth-highest honor, in October 2017.

October 2018: First Stroke

Bunny Wailer suffered a minor stroke in October 2018, which affected his speech.

October 2019: Commemorative Plaque at Basing Street Studios

A commemorative blue plaque honoring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer was installed at the former site of Basing Street Studios in London in October 2019.